Long-Awaited Detail & Mod Install

[vt_maverick]

So I haven't had a garage or private driveway to work with since my divorce 3 years ago, and since that time I haven't been able to truly detail my VX (people at public car wash are not understanding of the need for 8 hours). At the same time, I've been collecting mods that I haven't had a chance to install yet (much-discussed CF mirror covers and OEM nose mask, as well as Dakine aero rack pads).

So here's the before and after. Many thanks to 99VC and Ganzman for providing the nose mask and the recommendation for the rack pads. Both look awesome IMHO.



BEFORE:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3270/IMG_0215.JPG

PLUS THIS:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3270/IMG_0216.JPG

PLUS THIS:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3270/IMG_0217.JPG

PLUS THIS:

https://www.isuzuparts.com/images/nose_mask_full.jpg

PLUS THIS:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3270/IMG_0223.JPG

EQUALS THIS:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3270/IMG_0218.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3270/IMG_0219.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3270/IMG_0220.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3270/IMG_0221.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3270/IMG_02221.JPG

[Moncha]

Saaaaaaaaawwwwweeeeeeeeeeet!

[Ldub]

Mmmmmm...shiney...:drool:...:thumbup:

[Riff Raff]

Elbow grease is amazing stuff. Looks great.:thumbup:

[tom4bren]

"Saaaaaaaaawwwwweeeeeeeeeeet!"

X2

Did the rattle after the NERF install ever come back?

[pbkid]

dude.... looks awesome! :thumbup:

[nfpgasmask]

I can't wait to get my VX cleaned up. Nice job.

Bart

[LittleBeast]

Very very nice job :)

[MSHardeman]

I freakin' LOVE that color.....I wwwwaaaaaannnnntttt one.

[vt_maverick]

Thanks guys.

On the elbow grease comment, yeah, my arm was about to fall off after washing, waxing, tire/wheel cleaning, tire blacking, stretching the nose mask over the hood, and stretching the rack pads around the bars (they look great but it's a tight fit).

But applying the Back to Black on the cladding actually was pretty easy. For those that haven't gone with the Refinish Restorer and therefore need to apply B2B fairly often, I HIGHLY recommend you pick up a Mothers' Power Ball. They're pricey (I think $20-30) but they may hold off arthritis for a few more years. ;) You wouldn't want to use it to wax the VX because there are too many surface curves, seams, etc. to screw up, but when it comes to applying B2B on wide stretches of the cladding, it's easy to get a nice smooth coat. Just use the PowerBall then run over the cladding with a clean cloth to make sure you get the hard to reach places (fog light recess, handles, etc.) and you're good to go.

Love that first picture - it's now my avatar and desktop background. :D

[vt_maverick]

On the subject of drill-based detailing, next project is to clean up the headlights. I've used 3M's Plastic Clean and Polish by hand in the past, but this time I picked up 3M's professional cleaning kit that includes super-fine grit sandpaper, foam applicator pad, etc. all of which attach to your drill.

We'll see how it goes. If I can get to it this weekend (looks like Tropical Storm Danny may rain us out) I'll post before and after pics of that too.

[VCrossfan]

Niiiiiiiice: Hook me up with a set of Carbon Mirror covers, they look great

[vt_maverick]

If only there we more laying around, or another source that could produce them. If I see any for sale anywhere I'll post the link in the Internet Parts Thread.

[99VC]

That noise mask looks GREAT..

[Ldub]

That noise mask looks GREAT..

I can't hear it...:_confused...:smilewink

[vt_maverick]

Did the rattle after the NERF install ever come back?

It did, and I killed it with WD-40, then it came back again after a couple months. I tried hitting it with some white lithium grease per recommendations from a few members, but it actually came back faster than with the WD-40 (I think it was like a week or two). I put the WD-40 back on and ironically, I just started hearing it again yesterday on my way down to SC on business. I suppose I need to get off my ***** and pull the carpet up to make sure the bolt is still tight, but that takes time and it feels solidly mounted from underneath. :confused:

Btw, I drove down here mostly at night yesterday and the VX was absolutely covered in bugs. But B2B, wax, and a car bra are amazing things. I took a wet towel to the paint and bra, and everything came off with little to no scrubbing, and the wax still looks great. I knew better than to use the wet towel on the cladding as we all know what water does to B2B, so I used a dry towel instead, and all the bugs literally fell off the cladding and into the towel.

A 6 hour drive at night and a rainshower today removed from the detailing, and she still looks great! :thumbup:

[tom4bren]

Try to schlep some black RTV wherever the NERF brackets get close to the metal splash guard I cut during the install. You'll need to make sure all the WD40 & lithium grease are gone tho. RTV won't stick to that.

We may be heading to Williamsburg for the long weekend (5-7 Sep). If you want to come over, I'll have a look.

Tom

[vt_maverick]

Unfortunately I'll be visiting my parents in NC that weekend, but I will be in Fredericksburg the first weekend in October for a friend's birthday party. Maybe we could hook up then, I'll let you know once I know the start time for the party.

[tom4bren]

I should be around ... unless I'm not ... otherwise I'll be there ... but I could be on the road. Better call first.

First weekend in Sep, I'll be at Williamsburg
Second I'll be in NC (Tech Triangle area)
Third I'll be in Philly

Maybe I'll stay home all of October & get some chores done.